Short Assignment 5: Proposal

Proposals are one of those unique genres of writing that cut across most academic and professional settings. The ability to “propose” an idea—articulate what it is you plan to do—is thus an essential skill for any writer. The content and arrangement of proposals shift depending on their purpose. But in general, your goal is to best explain to your reader (1) what you are going to do, (2) how you are going to do it, and (3) what you think you might accomplish or find. In this way your reader is able to see if your project is do-able, publish-able, or in many settings, fund-able.

TASK:
For this assignment please write a 1-2 page proposal that clearly lays out the dimensions of how you plan to carry out your last writing project. Keep in mind that proposals are forward-looking (written in the future tense, “I will, I hope, I plan…”) and should provide direction and organization for your project. Consider the following questions: What communities do you want to reach? What communities would find this research valuable? And finally, how can you bring to light a solution in a form that is accessible? Be curious! Think outside the box!

Your proposal will include the following parts:Summary:
• Briefly describe your research, intended community, and possible locations to carry out your work
• Identify for whom this research and resulting project would benefit
• Articulate questions you plan to ask about the community and how you plan rethink, revise, or extend your initial research

Background:
• Lay out what you already know about the topic or community (historical legacies? culture?)
• Explain why this topic or community is interesting or important enough for you to explore it and reach it

Design:
• Identify your goals for the project (what do you want the reader or viewer to understand?)
• Detail a plan for how you will complete this project (what will you do first, second, last…)
• List possible methods you may use (observation, interview, mapping, designing, making, organizing, photos, texts…)
• Include a timeline of completion

Conclusion:
• Articulate possible answers to your questions
• Tell the reader anything else you think they need to know and pose questions you still have

CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS:
• Include the “parts” as described above
• Write in focused sentences
• Submit a completely proofread proposal